Dutch Offshore Wind Energy trade mission to France 2017

11.07.2017By: Transfer LBC

After 3 successful trade missions in the Offshore Wind Sector to France in 2012, 2014 and 2015, the 20th and the 21st of June a delegation of Dutch companies came for the 4th time to Paris. For some of them, it meant the strengthening of already existing contacts with French companies in the offshore wind energy sector. For others, these two days were the occasion to get in touch with the myriad of possibilities that this industry has to offer. As during the previous missions, this mission was organized in collaboration with the FME and its division on clean energies Cleantech Holland. Transfer LBC was again responsible for the 2-day program, both in Paris and in Nantes, as well as the B2B matchmaking sessions at both locations.

Upon arrival in Paris, the delegation was guided to a conference room for a lunch and personal meetings with the Électricité de France (EDF) consortium. After informative presentations about EDF and the status quo of their 3 large offshore wind farms in Fécamp, Courseulles-sur-Mer and Saint-Nazaire, the trade delegation had the occasion to pitch their companies for them and to have personal B2B meetings with the two offshore wind managers of EDF in order to look into possible future collaboration opportunities. After a useful afternoon in Paris, the delegation travelled further South to Nantes, for the second part of the trade mission.

Where in Paris EDF presented itself to the delegation, in Nantes it was the turn of Éoliennes en Mer, a cooperation between GDF/ENGIE and EdP, and Adwen, a prominent offshore wind turbine manufacturer, to explain more about their principal aims and activities in the region of Pays de la Loire. The representative of Éoliennes en Mer explained about the status quo of their tender for an offshore wind park in Le Tréport and the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, planned for 2024. The complete morning was dedicated to personal B2B-meetings, contact exchanges and the reinforcements of already existing contacts. In total, more than a hundred French-Dutch meetings took place with prominent actors in the French offshore wind sector, such as STX, DCNS and Eiffage, and of course with EDF, ENGIE and Adwen. After an intensive and successful morning, the trade event was rounded up with a cocktail lunch.

As this market is still in a developing stage, it is essential for French companies to acquire know-how and to create a leading industrial sector in order to ensure a sustainable offshore wind sector. This offers opportunities for the Dutch companies which, due to their internationally renowned experience in the construction and exploitation of wind farms, can respond to this demand. By cooperation with local companies, local content is created. With a local component, it will become much easier for Dutch companies to become successful in the offshore wind market of France.